Mountain climbing - I did it! ! !
 

For the 2 years that I’ve been cycling, I’ve ridden in my valley and the valley north of mine. To go to the next valley I’d cycle 12 miles down to the river where the valleys meet, or I would push my bike over the mountain.

That mountain, only a few miles from my door, kept staring at me, it’s steepness and height a formidable obstacle that I would fantasize about overcoming ‘some day’.

This year I trained hard for a two day group ride. I didn’t expect this ride to have any hills, but there were some pretty long ones (still smaller than my mountain), and I did better than I thought I could. I guess that’s the advantage of riding with other people.

Last weekend, remembering the group ride, I decided that I would give my mountain a try. The first 200 yards is really steep. I had to stand most of the way (something I am not good at). The rest of the mountain is not as steep, but it’s long. I was pretty sure that the time out of the saddle would tap me out before I could complete the rest of the mountain. Much to my surprise – it wasn’t all that hard. I made it all the way up without even one rest stop!

I was so thrilled that when I got down to the other valley, I took the hillier routes across it. My legs were sore that afternoon but it felt great!

This winter I’m going to make that mountain part of my training – I went up it again this morning. I know some other (bigger) mountains around here, and their days are numbered!

Congratulations on the milestone.

It amazes me what we as cyclists can do
if we don't let doubt cloud our minds.

Marty

Congrats - one more personal goal achieved. Feels good, doesn't it!!

Since I've been out of commission I keep thinking longingly about going up hills! I decided that next year I am going to do more climbing and get better at it. I suck as a sprinter but I lost 12 pounds and I'm getting lighter wheels, and I plan to be a better climber. I remember how I felt when I finally did a notorious climb last summer- I'd dreaded it but when I finally did it, I felt great! And it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, mainly because I was expecting the worst. But I can't wait to do it again.

and
Thanks. Yes It feels great!

I knew that you people here would appreciate it. The 'regular' public has no concept, and can't understand our inner victories. The really neat thing is - I know that my mountain would be a snap for many of you more experienced cyclists, but you still appreciate that it was a challenge for me.

Wabbit, Sorry you’re off the bike. Hope things get better soon.

I have about 30 more pounds to loose of MY frame before I have to start shaving ounces of the bikes frame, but I’m getting there. :)

Barring Alzheimer's, I shall never forget climbing the Grand Mesa in 1995. It was a long, slow, torturous ascent that I had been dreading: 20 miles of unrelenting climb. It took me 4 hours.

Congratulations on topping your mountain, Mike. :beer:

There are no mountains in my back yard, but I gauge my fitness each year by my growing ease and quickening pace up certain hills.

Congrats on the acheivment.

Hills are funny, the more you add the easier they become.

Well done - MikeR. Take a well earned bow!:beer:

Ask the mountain this: who is MikeR? The mountain will not reply, will not know, will not care.

Ask MikeR this: what mountain? MikeR will reply, "Mountain? What mountain?"

Take the buggers one-by-one. Show no mercy!:D

Great inspirational story, Mike!

I laugh now at some little bumps in the road that I would get in my lowest gear, 28/34, to ride up when I first started riding two years ago. Now I hardly notice them except for the memory.

They do get easier. Don't they? They may be real hard when going up them, but if you think how hard they were months ago compared to this trip, your progress always amazes.

Congratulations.

Yea for MikeR!

Yeah MikeR it's a bummer, I'm fine now but the bike needs repairs, so the hills will have to wait until the spring. It sucks the royal bag, so I guess I'll just have to be happy for everyone else and envious of those who live in nice warm climates.

Congrats.